Welcome to Stanford University

        As president of Stanford, I am delighted that you have chosen to join us for your graduate studies. Graduate education has always been a vital part of the university; the pioneer class of 1891 included 37 graduate students, and the first Stanford doctorate was awarded in 1894. In the 110 years since its founding, Stanford University has become one of the world's leading teaching and research institutions; its areas of excellence range from the humanities and the social sciences to engineering and the basic sciences.

        Those of us on the faculty are here in large part because of Stanford's extraordinary students - men and women of all races, ethnicities, and ages, from more than 80 countries. With more than 7,700 graduate students - in a student population of 14,000 - we are committed to excellence in graduate education. Graduate programs are offered in each of the seven schools at Stanford: Business, Earth Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Law, and Medicine.

        Stanford has one of the most distinguished faculties in the nation. The more than 1,600 scientists, historians, writers, philosophers, artists, mathematicians, and others on the faculty include 15 Nobel laureates, 4 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 21 recipients of the National Medal of Science. Their research initiatives have helped launch important new discoveries and offer students significant opportunities for intellectual exploration and growth. There are also significant research opportunities available through the more than two dozen institutes and research centers housed on campus.

        As an incoming Stanford graduate student, you have accomplished a great deal already - but graduate study brings with it new opportunities and new situations that require informed decisions. It is our hope that this Graduate Student Handbook will assist you in providing necessary information on the resources available to you.

        More than a century ago, Leland Stanford challenged the pioneering classes: "Students, all that we can do for you is to place the opportunities within your reach; it rests with you to grasp and improve them." Today the challenge remains - welcome to the Farm!

John L. Hennessy              
President                   

 

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